New South Wales is set to launch a significant firearm buyback program, with authorities anticipating that up to one-quarter of the state’s registered firearms, potentially reaching 274,000 weapons, will be surrendered. This initiative follows the rejection of a similar compensation scheme by the governments of Queensland, South Australia, Victoria, and the Northern Territory. The announcement is expected on Sunday from Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and NSW Premier Chris Minns.
The buyback program is scheduled to commence in November and is a direct response to the tragic terror attack in Bondi in December 2025. It was also identified as a key recommendation within the interim report of the anti-Semitism royal commission. Prime Minister Albanese stated in a release, “We must do everything we can to make sure the anti-Semitic terrorist attack in Bondi doesn’t happen again. That includes meaningful nationwide gun reform.”
Program Funding and State Participation
Under the proposed arrangement, the federal government will bear the full cost of the firearms being destroyed. The administrative expenses, however, will be shared between the Commonwealth and any participating states, including New South Wales. This cost-sharing model has proven to be a point of contention, leading several states to opt out.
The governments of Queensland and Victoria have explicitly declined to participate in the buyback scheme. South Australia, after initially indicating support, has since ruled out making changes to its firearm laws. The Northern Territory government has stated it will not contribute financially to the program. Negotiations regarding cost-sharing are ongoing with the Tasmanian and ACT governments. Meanwhile, Western Australia concluded its own two-year buyback initiative in January of this year.
Compensation Structure for Firearm Owners
The New South Wales buyback program will offer tiered compensation. Initially, owners of air rifles will receive a fixed payment of $450. For centre-fire rifles or revolvers, the payout will be up to $1,000. Beginning in early 2027, the scheme will expand to include compensation for more valuable firearms. Owners of weapons with a market value exceeding $3,000 can apply for compensation up to $10,000.
Provisions are also in place for firearm dealers. They are eligible to receive a grant of up to $25,000, along with a $500 discount on their licence fees, acknowledging their role and potential impact from the buyback.
Background to the Buyback: The Bondi Attack
The catalyst for this stringent gun reform was the December 2025 Bondi terror attack. The perpetrator, Sajid Akram, who was killed by police during the incident, legally possessed six firearms, including those used in the commission of the attack. His son, Naveed Akram, faces 78 charges, including 15 counts of murder. He has yet to enter pleas for these charges.
Criticism from Opposition Parties
The proposed gun buyback has drawn sharp criticism from some political quarters, particularly from One Nation and the federal Nationals.
One Nation’s Concerns
One Nation leader Pauline Hanson has strongly opposed the deal, arguing that it unfairly targets law-abiding gun owners while failing to address the root causes of such violence, which she attributes to “radical Islam.” She stated, “We’re actually crucifying those legal gun owners here. It wasn’t the guns. It was the people behind the guns that are responsible for the Bondi massacre.” Senator Hanson also expressed dismay over the potential surrender of inherited firearms, describing them as family heirlooms that cannot be replaced by monetary compensation. She questioned the use of taxpayer funds for the buyback, estimating the national cost could exceed a billion dollars, and asserted that the Prime Minister had not confronted the core issue: the individuals responsible for the attack.
The Nationals’ Stance
The federal Nationals are preparing to introduce legislation aimed at reversing the gun buyback. Party leaders, including Nationals leader Matt Canavan and Senate leader Bridget McKenzie, have labelled the legislation as a “kneejerk and unnecessary” reaction that lacked proper consultation. They contend that the new laws disproportionately punish nearly one million Australians, including farmers, collectors, target shooters, and volunteers involved in pest control.
Senator McKenzie pointed to the interim report of the anti-Semitism royal commission, noting that it found no identified gaps in the existing legal framework that would have prevented or altered the response to the Bondi attack. “The royal commission’s interim finding demolishes the entire premise of Labor’s legislation,” she argued. “The perpetrators should never have had access to a firearm under the laws that already existed. How they obtained one is a question for the Royal Commission, not an excuse to punish farmers, sporting shooters and hunters who follow the rules.” The Nationals’ proposed bill would revert firearm laws to their pre-January status, while retaining changes related to hate symbols and background checks.
Conclusion
The New South Wales firearm buyback program represents a significant step in the state’s response to the Bondi terror attack and broader gun law reform discussions. While the government aims to reduce the number of firearms in circulation and enhance public safety, the initiative faces considerable opposition and logistical challenges, particularly concerning state participation and the financial implications for gun owners and dealers. The differing perspectives highlight the ongoing debate surrounding gun control, individual rights, and national security in Australia.
